High-speed rail direct access, reverse travel to 4 off-the-beaten-path cities in July and August

Want to avoid the crowds during summer vacation? Try these 4 lesser-known cities accessible by high-speed rail! Reverse travel in July and August, featuring niche attractions, cool experiences, low tourist volume, and great value for money. Save this guide👇

🌆 Anshun, Guizhou｜A 23℃ summer retreat secret
Recommendation rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆
🚄 Transportation: Transfer at Guiyang North Station by high-speed rail, 30 minutes direct, ticket price only 26 yuan!
🌊 Must-visit: The Huangguoshu Waterfall’s visitor diversion spot—[Dishuitan Waterfall], fewer people, beautiful scenery, and you can trek upstream; [Yunfeng Tunbao] Ming Dynasty military village, wearing Hanfu for photos gives a strong time-travel vibe; at night, stroll through [Gufu Street Night Market], enjoy wrapped rolls and Duoduo noodles for about 20 yuan per person to get full.
💡 Hidden activities: Take a boat tour of the karst caves at [Getu River] near Anshun, a cool and less crowded spot, ticket + boat 80 yuan per person.

🌆 Jinchang, Gansu｜The "Little Switzerland" of Northwest China
Recommendation rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🚄 Direct route: Transfer at Lanzhou by high-speed rail, 2 hours to reach, average summer temperature 20℃!
🏜 Must-visit: The free-to-enter [Zijin Garden Scenic Area] with tens of thousands of blooming flowers, perfect for photos comparable to Provence; [Mars No.1 Base] with a full sci-fi vibe, wearing astronaut suits for cool check-ins; [Jinchuan National Mining Park] offers a spectacular view of mining pits and industrial history.
🍜 Food: Lamb with rolled flatbread, gray fragrant beans, all-you-can-eat for about 30 yuan per person, half the price of popular cities!

🌆 Quzhou, Zhejiang｜A low-key food paradise
Recommendation rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🚄 Transportation: High-speed rail from many cities in the Yangtze River Delta, 1-2 hours direct, tickets starting at 50 yuan!
🌶 Must-eat: "Three heads and one palm" (duck head, rabbit head, fish head, duck palm), spicy and satisfying; [Shuitingmen Ancient Street] with 28 Du copper drum cakes and Quzhou baked cakes, 3 for 10 yuan to fill you up; for late-night snacks, go to [Fangmen Street], crayfish + beer about 60 yuan per person.
🛕 Niche attractions: [Lanke Mountain], birthplace of Go, quiet mountain forest perfect for summer cooling; [Yaowang Mountain] glass plank road + slide, very fun for family trips.

🌆 Benxi, Liaoning｜The "Little Guilin" of Northeast China
Recommendation rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🚄 Direct route: High-speed rail from Shenyang North Station, 30 minutes direct, ticket price 20 yuan!
🌳 Must-visit: [Guanmen Mountain Forest Park] for hiking and fresh air, clear streams perfect for kids to play in; [Benxi Water Caves], the world’s longest water-filled karst cave, boat tours are super cool, ticket 135 yuan including full experience; [Yanghugou] picturesque rural scenery like an oil painting, a free photo paradise.
💡 Accommodation recommendation: Choose small town homestays, about 60 yuan per person including three meals, fresh and affordable farmhouse dishes!

📌 Reverse travel essentials checklist
✅ Sunscreen + mosquito repellent: Some areas have strong UV and many mosquitoes
✅ Creek trekking shoes/sandals: More convenient for water activities
✅ Student/teacher ID: Discounts at some attractions
✅ Portable rain gear: Summer is rainy, better to be prepared

✨ Key point: Check the opening hours of niche attractions in advance, avoid overpriced accommodations near scenic spots! Reverse travel avoids crowds, enjoy a more comfortable summer vacation with less money~ Save this guide and set off with family and friends!